University of Nevada
Department of Geography
Spring
2009
Instructor Gary Johnson
Geography
405/606
Geographic
Information Systems
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Course
Description
The goal of this class is to introduce you to
the principles and application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
A GIS allows a user to store and retrieve information through the
selection of its spatial or non-spatial characteristics.
With this ability, quantitative analysis can be undertaken on a database
with the results of spatial queries displayed visually in map form.
This course emphasizes manipulation of both vector data and raster
analysis (analysis of grided remote sensed data).
We will use ArcGIS 9.x and ArcView 3.3,
including the raster extension Spatial Analyst. We emphasize hands on instruction to provide a practical
introduction to some tools for design, construction and implementation of a GIS
system, applicable to any field employing spatial analysis.
Data sets we will work with include urban and regional planning data,
natural resources, and weather and climate datasets.
Schedule
Lectures: M 5:30-8:15. 321 Mackay Science
Hall.
Laboratory: 222 Mackay Science Hall.
405/Section 1: Tue. 5:30-8:15, 405/Section 2: Thur. 5:30-8:15
Laboratory 222 Mackay Science Hall: 605/Section 1: Wed. 5:30-8:15 p.m.
Office Hours
Tue. & Thur. 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. by appointment ONLY, 222 (GIS Lab)
building (Phone: 682-8756, email: glj@unr.edu).
I cannot maintain an open door policy this semester as in the past. I
must hold to scheduling meetings with you either before labs on Wed. & TH or after
class on Mondays.
You are welcome to come in any time if you need help outside of office
hours, recognizing that I work for the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology and am
off on Fridays. It is required to call and set an appointment.
Irene Seelye (TA) will be more available and can offer excellent help with any of your GIS questions. Please see her schedule for assistance if you cannot find me.
I may from time to time place data on the web for you to download. I will always
give the location of the data sets you may be required to use for test or
assignments.
Textbook
Geographic Information Systems and Science (Second Edition), Longley,
ISBN# 0-470-87110-X
Readings
10 points
each
70
Exercise 3
10 points each
30
Lab Assignments 3
10 points each
30
Possible 3 quizzes (No make-up if not
in class)
10 points each
30
Lab test
50 points each
150
Tests
50 points each
150
Assignment 1
50
Assignment 2
50
Assignment
3
300
Part 1 (GIS Question)
20 points
Part 2
(GIS Process) 30 points
Part 3
(GIS Presentations) 250
points
Total
Possible Points
860
Your final course grade will be based on the combined
scores of the quiz, tests, labs, assignments and metadata.
The university provides the possibility to add a plus or minus to the
letter grade, i.e. A, A-, B+, B etc. with grade point values of 4.0, 3.7, 3.3,
3.0, and so on. In this course, a
grading scale with pluses and minuses will be used.
You must have 90% of the points to receive an A-, 80% for a B-, 70% for a
C- and 60% for a D.
Graduate students will be required to complete more
extensive lab tests, tests, and a more extensive project for Assignment #3.
All other assignments will be the same for Graduates and Undergraduates
since all students must construct a similar database.
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(Please read carefully)
Laboratories: Students will have an assigned laboratory time each week but to complete your work on weekly lessons from the text and class assignments you should strongly consider allocating a minimum of 3 additional hours each week. ATTENDANCE DURING LABORATORY TIME IS MANDATORY, AND CONSIDERED TO BE CLASS TIME. HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS MAY REQUIRE TIME BEYOND YOUR REGULAR LAB HOURS. PLAN THIS TIME INTO YOUR SCHEDULE. IF YOU CANNOT COMMIT AT LEAST ANOTHER THREE TO FIVE HOURS PER WEEK (more or less depending on your skills), YOU SHOULD CONSIDER DROPPING THIS CLASS. THIS IS A TIME CONSUMING CLASS, PARTICULARLY WHEN ASSIGNMENTS ARE DUE. CONSIDER YOUR TIME CONSTRAINTS CAREFULLY BEFORE CONTINUING IN THIS CLASS.
Assignments:
There are three graded assignments to be done individually.
The assignments build on each other through the semester.
You will be given a map of a portion of Nevada.
In the first assignment you will be required to digitize this map and
hand in a plot at the same scale as the original.
In the second assignment you will do analysis on the data created in
Assignment 1and data collected from the internet. In the third assignment you will perform a spatial analysis in response
to an assigned problem, and then produce a presentation quality poster.
All final posters will be displayed in a "studio" for
comparison and critique. Detailed
instructions will be handed out for each phase of the project.
Assignments are due on the due
date.
You are responsible for budgeting your time.
Late assignments will be graded down one full grade.
After one week, the assignment will be dropped two full grades, etc. In most cases you are probably better off handing in an
unfinished product. You will be
graded on what you have done at the time. Since
each assignment builds on the previous, you will still be required to finish one
assignment before beginning the next. It is critical that you stay up on the material.
Experience shows that if you fall behind it will take an immense effort
to catch up. If you are not sure
you have the time to dedicate to this class, drop now.
Tests:
Tests will consist of short answer questions related to lab exercises,
lecture material, and readings and will take the full class period.
Lab
Test:
Lab test will be designed to test your abilities
in understanding instructions, order of commands, and ability to manage your
time in a lab test environment.
Lab policies:
Behavior during the
lectures and labs: Your responsibility in the Lecture time is to be aware of the
lectures and take notes that will aid you during the labs and ask questions
during the presentations. Your responsibilities in the Labs consist of being
present for each lab and following instructions given during the labs.
Personal checking
e-mails, surfing the internet or text messaging is NOT APPROPRIATE and WILL NOT
BE TOLERATED during lab or lecture time. Inappropriate use of the GIS lab computers
will be grounds for removal from this class for the remainder of the semester
AND A FAILING GRADE will be given.
The Geography Department computing labs adhere to UNR computing policies and standards. Academic dishonesty and the disruption or destruction of computer facilities is covered in Sections I, II and III of the Student Judicial Code. Standards for Using the Computing and Network Resources at UNR are available at http://www.it.unr.edu/guidelines/networkuse.asp . Violations of these policies may result in the revoking of computer and network access privileges and/or academic sanctions.
Reporting technical problems:
Problems with student accounts or technical
difficulties associated with laboratory hardware or software should be reported
at the following email address:
help@mines.unr.edu. When using ‘help@mines’, please submit the following:
- The computer
name and location.
-
Description of the problem.
-
The
course enrolled in.